Flexible Cap for Conical Connectors

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to a flexible cap for a medical fitting, such as a luer-lock fitting. The flexible cap includes a cap component defining a top surface, a cylindrical wall extending opposite from the top surface of the cap component, and an inner sealing surface. The cylindrical wall defines a hollow interior configured to receive an internal tapered sealing wall of a male connector of the medical fitting so as to form a seal with an outer surface of the tapered sealing wall. Further, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap is configured within the hollow interior. Thus, when the tapered sealing wall of the male connector of the medical fitting is received within the hollow interior of the cylindrical wall, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap seals the fluid passageway of the tapered sealing wall.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to fittings or connectors formedical devices, and more particularly to a flexible cap for conicalconnectors of medical devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

International Standard Organization (ISO) 80369 is a new standard formedical device connections designed to prevent common connection errorsin patient care. Many of the new connectors detailed in this standardutilize a conical sealing surface surrounded by a threaded collar. Oneexample of this type of connector is a luer-lock fitting.

Luer-lock fittings for medical devices typically have a tubular body atone end a Luer cone connector at an opposing end. More specifically,medical fittings generally include threaded locking ‘luer’ designshaving male and female connectors with corresponding threaded collars.The luer cone connector is coaxially surrounded by a cup-like innerthreaded attachment element and a detachable cap sealingly connectedaxially over the Luer cone connector.

Thus, the detachable cap is configured to prevent undesirable flow oftherapeutic fluids, gases, and/or bodily fluids from flowing from thefitting when not in use. Most existing cap designs utilize the geometryof the opposing connector. For example, a cap for the male connectorgenerally corresponds to the geometry of the female connector design.Thus, a user is required to twist the cap into place on the maleconnector. Depending on the use, a twist cap can make certain medicalprocedures that utilize such luer-lock fittings more complex. Further,some twist caps include a tether which can prevent effective rotation ofthe cap. As such, in many instances, the tether must be a separatecomponent from the cap.

In view of the above, push-caps are also known for preventingundesirable flow of therapeutic fluids, gases, and/or bodily fluids fromflowing from such fittings when not in use. Though push caps can providean enhanced user experience by simplifying use during a medicalprocedure, known push caps can become unintentionally dislodged.Further, known push caps may not provide proper sealing for medicalfittings having a conical surface and locking collar.

In view of the aforementioned, an improved cap for a conical connectorthat prevents undesirable fluid and/or gas leaks would be welcomed inthe art. Thus, the present disclosure is directed to a flexible cap fora conical fitting or connector that provides a robust and effective sealagainst fluid or gas leakage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a flexible cap fora male connector of a medical fitting. The male connector has an outercylindrical locking collar and an internal tapered sealing wall having afluid passageway therein. An internal cavity is defined between theouter locking collar and the tapered sealing wall. The flexible capincludes a cap component defining a top surface, a cylindrical wall, andan inner sealing surface. The cylindrical wall and the inner sealingsurface are opposite from the top surface. Further, the cylindrical walldefines a hollow interior configured to receive the tapered sealing wallof the male connector so as to form a seal with an outer surface of thetapered sealing wall. In addition, the inner sealing surface isconfigured within the hollow interior of the cylindrical wall. Thus,when the tapered sealing wall of the male connector is received withinthe hollow interior of the cylindrical wall, the inner sealing surfaceis configured to seal the fluid passageway of the tapered sealing wall.In certain embodiments, the medical fitting may be a luer-lock fittingalthough it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the medical fitting may include any medical device connector havinga tapered sealing surface and a threaded locking collar.

In one embodiment, the inner sealing surface may include a protrusionconfigured to fit at least partially within the fluid passageway so asto seal the fluid passageway. More specifically, the protrusion may be adome, cone, cylinder, rib, or similar. Thus, the protrusion isconfigured to seal the fluid passageway when fluid pressure is applied.In addition, in certain embodiments, the protrusion may have a hollowcross-section or a solid cross-section. Thus, in such embodiments, thehollow cross-section of the protrusion may extend from the top surfaceof the cap component so as to define an open recess on the top surfaceof the cap component. As such, the recess may be open to the atmospheresuch that it can deform in response to pressure from the fluidpassageway so as to frictionally engage the walls thereof.

In another embodiment, the outer locking collar of the male connectorhas internal threads. Thus, in certain embodiments, the cylindrical wallof the flexible cap may include at least one rib on an exterior surfacethereof. As such, the rib(s) of the flexible cap may be configured toengage the internal threads of the male connector. More specifically, inparticular embodiments, the cylindrical wall of the flexible cap mayinclude opposing ribs on opposite sides thereof.

In additional embodiments, the flexible cap may also have a tether. Morespecifically, in certain embodiments, the tether may be integral withthe cap component or any other portion of the flexible cap.Alternatively, the tether may be a separate component that can beattached to the cap component. In still another embodiment, the capcomponent may include a pull tab configured to assist a user withremoving the cap from the male connector.

In further embodiments, the flexible cap may be constructed of anysuitable flexible or semi-flexible materials. For example, in certainembodiments, the flexible cap may be constructed of polyurethane,neoprene, synthetic rubber, latex, silicone, or similar, or combinationsthereof.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a medicalfitting for a medical device. The fitting includes a male connector anda flexible cap. The male connector has an outer locking collar and aninternal tapered sealing wall. Further, the outer locking collar and thetapered sealing wall define an internal cavity therebetween. Inaddition, the tapered sealing wall defines a fluid passagewaytherethrough. Moreover, the internal cavity is configured to receive afemale connector during use, and the flexible cap when not in use. Theflexible cap includes a cap component defining a top surface, acylindrical wall, and an inner sealing surface. Further, the cylindricalwall and the inner sealing surface are opposite from the top surface.Moreover, the cylindrical wall defines a hollow interior configured toreceive the tapered sealing wall of the male connector so as to form aseal with an outer surface of the tapered sealing wall. In addition, theinner sealing surface is configured within the hollow interior of thecylindrical wall. Thus, when the tapered sealing wall of the maleconnector is received within the hollow interior of the cylindricalwall, the inner sealing surface seals the fluid passageway of thetapered sealing wall. It should also be understood that the medicalfitting may further include any of the additional features as describedherein.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a medicaldevice having double luer fittings according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed, perspective view of one embodiment of amedical device having double luer fittings according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a maleconnector of a luer fitting according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the male connector of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexiblecap for a male connector of a luer fitting according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of aflexible cap inserted into a male connector of a luer fitting accordingto the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of aflexible cap for a male connector of a luer fitting according to thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a flexible cap for amedical fitting, such as luer fitting. More specifically, the capincludes a cap component defining a top surface, a cylindrical wallextending opposite from the top surface of the cap component, and aninner sealing surface. The cylindrical wall defines a hollow interiorconfigured to receive an internal tapered sealing wall of a maleconnector of the medical fitting so as to form a first seal with thetapered sealing wall. Further, the inner sealing surface is configuredwithin the hollow interior of the cylindrical wall such that, when thetapered sealing wall of the male connector is received within the hollowinterior, the inner sealing surface provides a second seal with thefluid passageway of the tapered sealing wall. More specifically, in oneembodiment, the inner sealing surface may include a protrusion, e.g. adome, configured to fit at least partially within the fluid passagewayso as to seal the fluid passageway when fluid pressure is applied.

The present disclosure provides many advantages not present in the priorart. For example, the push-in cap of the present disclosure reduces costand complexity of typical medical devices that utilize medical fitting,such as luer-lock fittings. In addition, the flexible cap of the presentdisclosure provides an enhanced user experience that requires lesseffort during use over twist-on caps. Moreover, the flexible cap of thepresent disclosure effectively seals to the tapered surfaces of theconical male connector of medical fittings while also remainingresistant to unintentional dislodgement.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates a medicaldevice 10 for delivering a discrete amount of medication, gas, enternalnutrition, drug, or other fluid to a patient, e.g. in order to raise itsconcentration in the patient's blood to an effective level. Thus, themedical device 10 may be connected to a fluid or gas delivery device(not shown) that delivers a treatment fluid to a patient via one or moreports or medical fittings 12. More specifically, as shown the medicalfittings 12 are luer-lock fittings that are configured to transport thetreatment fluid or gas through a tube 15 and subsequently to a catheteror syringe (not shown). For example, as shown, the medical device 10includes two luer fittings 12, i.e. to deliver two separate treatmentfluids to a patient. In alternative embodiments, the medical device 10may include a single luer fitting 12. It should be understood that amedical device 10 having any number of luer fittings 12 is within thespirit and scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the medical fitting 12 includes amale connector 14 having an outer locking collar 16 and an internaltapered sealing wall 20. As shown, the outer locking collar 16 and thetapered sealing wall 20 define an internal cavity 22 therebetween. Thus,the tapered sealing wall 20 of the male connector 14 can be insertedinto a female connector (not shown) and the female connector may besecured within the internal cavity 22 of the male connector 14. Morespecifically, as shown, the outer locking collar 16 of the maleconnector 14 may have internal threads 18. Thus, in such embodiments,the male connector 14 may be secured within the female connector via thethreads 18 during use. In addition, the tapered sealing wall 20 isgenerally tapered so that it can be easily inserted to the femaleconnector during use. Further, the tapered sealing wall 20 defines afluid passageway 24 therethrough, i.e. for delivering treatment fluid toa patient. As such, when the male and female connectors are engaged,treatment fluid is delivered through the medical fitting 12 via a fluiddelivery device to the patient.

When the medical device 10 is not in use, i.e. the female connector isnot engaged with the male connector 14, the medical fitting 12 mayinclude a flexible cap 25 configured to fit within the internal cavity22 of the male connector 14. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, theflexible cap 25 includes a cap component 26 defining a top surface 27.Further, as shown, the flexible cap 25 includes a cylindrical wall 28extending opposite from the top surface 27 of the cap component 26. Inaddition, as shown, the cylindrical wall 28 defines a hollow interior 32configured to receive the tapered sealing wall 20 of the male connector14. Thus, when engaged with the tapered sealing wall 20, the cylindricalwall 28 is configured expand so as to form a seal with an outer surface21 of the tapered sealing wall 20. Thus, the flexible cap 25 isconfigured to resist unintentional dislodgement of the cap 25.

In addition, the flexible cap 25 may include a second sealing surface 34having a protrusion 35 configured to fit within the fluid passageway 24of the internal tapered sealing wall 20. For example, in one embodiment,the protrusion 35 may have a domed geometry that fits within the fluidpassageway 24 of the internal tapered sealing wall 20. Morespecifically, in one embodiment, the inner sealing surface 34 mayinclude a dome 35 configured to fit at least partially within the fluidpassageway so as to seal the fluid passageway when fluid pressure isapplied. Thus, the double-seal configuration of the flexible cap 25 isconfigured to create a wedge around the full circumference of the maleconnector 14, thereby providing a robust and effective seal againstfluid or gas leakage.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, the dome 35 of the second orinner sealing surface 34 extends within the hollow interior 32 of thecylindrical wall 28. As such, when the tapered sealing wall 20 of themale connector 14 is received within the hollow interior 32 of thecylindrical wall 28, the dome 35 of the inner sealing surface 34 isconfigured to seal the fluid passageway 24 of the tapered sealing wall20, e.g. when fluid pressure is applied to the cap 25. Thus, in certainembodiments, the dome 35 of the inner sealing surface 34 is configuredto seal the fluid passageway 24 so as to prevent liquids or gases fromexiting therefrom.

In addition, in particular embodiments, the dome 35 may have asubstantially hollow cross-section 36. Thus, in such embodiments, thehollow cross-section 36 of the dome 35 may extend from the top surface27 of the cap component 26 so as to define an open recess 38 on the topsurface 27. In other words, in certain embodiments, the recess 38 isopen to the atmosphere such that the dome 35 can deform in response topressure from the fluid passageway so as to frictionally engage thewalls of the fluid passageway 24. In alternative embodiments, theprotrusion 35 may have a solid cross-section.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-7, the cylindrical wall 28 ofthe flexible cap 25 may include at least one rib 30 on an exteriorsurface 29 thereof. As such, the rib(s) 30 of the flexible cap 25 may beconfigured to engage or mate with the internal threads 18 of the maleconnector 14. More specifically, in particular embodiments, thecylindrical wall 28 of the flexible cap 25 may include opposing ribs 30on opposite sides thereof. Thus, the rib(s) 30 are configured to providetactile feedback to a user during insertion of the cap 25 within theinternal cavity 22 of the male connector 14.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the flexible cap 25 mayalso have a tether 40 configured to maintain attachment of the flexiblecap 25 to the medical device 10. In certain embodiments, as shown, thetether 40 may be integral with the cap component 26 of the flexible cap25 (or any other portion of the flexible cap 25). In alternativeembodiments, the tether 40 may be a separate component from the capcomponent 26 of the flexible cap 25 that is later attached to the cap25.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the cap component26 of the flexible cap 25 may also include a pull tab 42 configured tofacilitate removal of the cap 25 from the male connector 14 of themedical fitting 12, e.g. by a user.

In further embodiments, the flexible cap 25 may be constructed of anysuitable flexible or semi-flexible materials. For example, in certainembodiments, the flexible cap 25 may be constructed of polyurethane,neoprene, synthetic rubber, latex, silicone, or similar, or combinationsthereof. In addition, the flexible cap 25 of the present disclosure canbe constructed of the same molded part as the tether and/or the maleconnector 14, thereby reducing the cost and number of componentsrequired to manufacture a medical fitting 12. As such, the presentdisclosure provides an enhanced user experience as less dexterity isrequired to activate the flexible cap 25 as compared to a twist-on cap.

While various patents have been incorporated herein by reference, to theextent there is any inconsistency between incorporated material and thatof the written specification, the written specification shall control.In addition, while the disclosure has been described in detail withrespect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various alterations, modifications and otherchanges may be made to the disclosure without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended that theclaims cover all such modifications, alterations and other changesencompassed by the appended claims.

1. A flexible cap for a male connector of a medical fitting, the maleconnector having an outer locking collar and an internal tapered sealingwall that defines an internal cavity therebetween, the tapered sealingwall defining a fluid passageway, the cap comprising: a cap componentdefining a top surface; a cylindrical wall extending opposite from thetop surface of the cap component, the cylindrical wall defining a hollowinterior configured to receive the tapered sealing wall of the maleconnector so as to form a seal with an outer surface of the taperedsealing wall; and an inner sealing surface configured within the hollowinterior, wherein, when the tapered sealing wall of the male connectorof the medical fitting is received within the hollow interior of thecylindrical wall, the inner sealing surface seals the fluid passagewayof the internal tapered sealing wall.
 2. The flexible cap of claim 1,wherein the inner sealing surface comprises a protrusion configured tofit at least partially within the fluid passageway so as to seal thefluid passageway.
 3. The flexible cap of claim 2, wherein the protrusioncomprises a dome configured to fit at least partially within the fluidpassageway so as to seal the fluid passageway.
 4. The flexible cap ofclaim 2, wherein the protrusion comprises a hollow cross-section.
 5. Theflexible cap of claim 4, wherein the hollow cross-section extends fromthe top surface of the cap component so as to define an open recess onthe top surface of the cap component.
 6. The flexible cap of claim 1,wherein the medical fitting comprises a luer-lock fitting.
 7. Theflexible cap of claim 1, wherein the outer locking collar of the maleconnector comprises at least one of internal threads or externalthreads.
 8. The flexible cap of claim 7, wherein the cylindrical wallfurther comprises at least one rib on an exterior surface thereof,wherein the at least one rib is configured to engage at least one of theinternal threads or the external threads.
 9. The flexible cap of claim8, wherein the cylindrical wall further comprises opposing ribs onopposite sides thereof.
 10. The flexible cap of claim 1, furthercomprising a tether.
 11. The flexible cap of claim 10, wherein thetether is integral with the cap component.
 12. The flexible cap of claim1, wherein the cap component further comprises a pull tab.
 13. Theflexible cap of claim 1, wherein the flexible cap is constructed from atleast one of polyurethane, neoprene, synthetic rubber, latex, orsilicone.
 14. A medical fitting for a medical device, the fittingcomprising: a male connector comprising an outer locking collar and aninternal tapered sealing wall, the outer locking collar and the taperedsealing wall defining an internal cavity therebetween, the internalcavity configured to receive a female connector during use, the taperedsealing wall defining a fluid passageway therethrough; and a flexiblecap configured to fit within the male connector when not in use, theflexible cap comprising: a cap component defining a top surface, acylindrical wall extending opposite from the top surface of the capcomponent, the cylindrical wall defining a hollow interior configured toreceive the tapered sealing wall of the male connector so as to form aseal with an outer surface of the tapered sealing wall, and an innersealing surface extending within the hollow interior, wherein, when thetapered sealing wall of the male connector of the medical fitting isreceived within the hollow interior of the cylindrical wall, the innersealing surface seals the fluid passageway of the tapered sealing wall.15. The medical fitting of claim 14, wherein the inner sealing surfacecomprises a protrusion configured to fit at least partially within thefluid passageway so as to seal the fluid passageway.
 16. The medicalfitting of claim 15, wherein the protrusion comprises a dome configuredto fit at least partially within the fluid passageway so as to seal thefluid passageway, wherein the protrusion comprises a hollowcross-section.
 17. The medical fitting of claim 16, wherein the hollowcross-section extends from the top surface of the cap component so as todefine an open recess on the top surface of the cap component.
 18. Themedical fitting of claim 14, wherein the outer locking collar of themale connector comprises at least one of internal threads or externalthreads.
 19. The medical fitting of claim 18, wherein the cylindricalwall further comprises at least one rib on an exterior surface thereof,wherein the at least one rib is configured to engage at least one of theinternal threads or the external threads.
 20. The medical fitting ofclaim 14, further comprising a tether integral with the cap component.